[DTogo]

When someone at a COSCO checkout line back in the US (upon hearing someone is a visiting 'expat' just in from Tokyo, actually asks if 'do they have TV over there in Japan?', or 'how long by traing from Tokyo to Hong Kong', somebody indeed needs geography and culture lessons about one of the most important nations on the face of the earth--let alone come out of a brain dead knowledge base about who Japanese prime ministers are.

Ha! Ha! Ha! Reminds me of the time I was in LAX renting a car, and when I said I lived in Japan the lady said, "Oh, so you must speak Chinese..." Haaaa??

Ishihara as PM? Nah, too non-P.C., even for most Japanese.

[DTogo]

Oops, forgot the...

Japan * ping * (kono risuto ni hairitai ka detai wo shirasete kudasai : let me know if you want on or off this list)

[AmericanInTokyo]

Yeah, but wait until DPRK launches another Taepodong over the bow of Japan! Then Shintaro might advance in the polls.

[LongsforReagan]

Hey, speaking of which, it is my understanding that most Japanese speak English as well. Is this true? I am making the investment to learn Chinese for self interest and ultimately business reasons. How well can one get around in Japan without knowledge of Japanese?

I cant wait to get there someday...